The “Flags on the 48” event was established in response to the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in America on September 11, 2001
Three days after the attacks several regular on-line posters, to the AMC Hiker Journal message forum, banded together and planned a hike the following day. Intent on raising the largest American flag they could find from the summit of Mt. Liberty.
On September 15, 2001, six hikers met at the White House Trailhead armed with a 96 square foot flag, 30 feet of PVC tubing, 100 feet of rope, 2 rolls of duct tape, and a wealth of pride and determination. A slight gesture of compassion for such a horrific loss, the American flag was raised on the summit of Mt. Liberty, paying tribute to the thousands of innocent people who perished in the attacks. This patriotic display received such tremendous amounts of positive feedback that a committee was formed to establish a larger, annual memorial. The “Flags on the 48” was given life.
On September 14, 2002 and again on September 13, 2003, several hundred patriotic and compassionate hikers embarked on a collective journey to raise American flags on all 48 of the 4,000+ foot summits in New Hampshire. This tribute, to the sacrifice of life and our strength of unity as a nation, remains small in the scope of the enormity of all that has been lost. What began as a small tribute had gained tremendous support and involvement.
On September 11, 2004, for the first time in the history of the event, all 48 of the 4000+ summits hosted Old Glory! She was carried to the peaks by dedicated bands of hikers wishing to pay their respects to the all the families and communities that grieve the ultimate and tragic loss of innocent lives. We haven’t forgotten the men and women who have unselfishly served and sacrificed to preserve our liberty. An American flag was unfurled from every mountain top with pride, compassion and humble gratitude.
From every mountain top, let freedom ring.
